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🌸 Happy June from the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls! 🌸
Hi Beautiful People!
Welcome you to the June edition of MAGNOLIA Monthly — it’s packed with powerful sisterhood, cowgirl boots, pink pumps, and BIG wins for our amazing community.
We kicked things off in true Cowgirl Carter fashion — literally! S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls Board of Directors Secretary Lisa Gilford and I saddled up in our finest western wear and two-stepped our way into Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter concert. Giddy up, y’all — it was an absolute blast!
Next up, we slipped into our pink attire for the fabulous 17th Annual Pink Pump Affair, hosted by our new Advisory Board member Areva Martin. Her event raises crucial funds for the Special Needs Network, supporting families with children on the autism spectrum. Areva is a powerhouse, and the afternoon was magical. Shoutout to fellow Advisory Board member Marissa Nance for showing up “on theme” and Alice in Wonderland-ready — tea party chic and all!
I also attended the annual Race to Erase MS gala, an unforgettable night of giving and glam led by my dear friend Nancy Davis, who has raised millions for multiple sclerosis research. Nancy, you continue to inspire us all!
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And can we talk about our rockstar Advisory Board member Crystal McCrary?! Crystal was honored by the Paley Center for Media for her outstanding work in social justice. We go waaay back to our Detroit roots, and I couldn’t be prouder. She is the definition of purpose in action.
Finally, let’s give a standing ovation to one of our friends, Thasunda Brown Duckett, CEO of TIAA — named one of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women of 2025! We are cheering you on, Thasunda — what a well-deserved recognition!
There’s so much packed into this month’s newsletter - I know you’ll love every bit of it.
As always, THANK YOU for being part of the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls family. Your support powers our mission to uplift and empower girls and young women across the country.
Want to keep the magic going? 💫
Visit shaunfoundationforgirls.org/donate to contribute today.
With gratitude and joy,
Shaun
Shaun Robinson
President and Founder
S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls
| | “When the sun is shining I can do anything; no mountain is too high, no trouble too difficult to overcome.” – Wilma Rudolph | | |
We're gearing up for another impactful SHE LEADS Conference this fall—an exclusive gathering of passionate women leaders driving change for girls and young women.
We're honored to welcome three more powerhouse speakers to our lineup:
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* Dr. Monique Couvson, President & CEO of Grantmakers for Girls of Color (GFGC)
* Janiece Evans-Page, CEO of Tides
* Melissa Kilby, President & CEO of Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas (former CEO of Girl Up)
These remarkable leaders will share valuable insights and inspiration with our mission-aligned nonprofit community!
| | Do you know a woman leading a girl-focused 501(c)(3)? We'd love to invite her to register for SHE LEADS! For more info, email: sheleads@shaunfoundationforgirls.org | | |
Victoria Christopher Murray
New York Times & USA Today Best Selling Author
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We're so excited to feature a powerful new book for June: Harlem Rhapsody by our dear friend and acclaimed author, Victoria Christopher Murray.
This captivating novel tells the story of a woman we should all know…Jessie Redmon Fauset. As the newly appointed literary editor of The Crisis, the preeminent Negro magazine, Jessie is poised to achieve literary greatness. But she holds a secret that jeopardizes it all.
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W. E. B. Du Bois, the founder of The Crisis, is not only Jessie’s boss, he’s her lover. And neither his wife, nor their fourteen-year-age difference can keep the two apart. Still, she attacks the challenge of discovering young writers with fervor, finding sixteen-year-old Countee Cullen, seventeen-year-old Langston Hughes, and Nella Larsen, who becomes one of her best friends.
Jessie is at the heart of a renaissance in Black music, theater, and the arts. She has shaped a generation of literary legends, but she’ll discover the high cost of her unparalleled success.
It's the perfect summer read! You can learn more and explore Victoria's other bestselling books at victoriachristophermurray.com.
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Good Governance Tips
AI for Nonprofits: How Small Teams Serving Girls of Color Can Start Smart
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As a leader of a small nonprofit focused on empowering girls of color, chances are you wear many hats. Program delivery, fundraising, reporting, and communications all fall on your shoulders or your small but mighty team. That's where artificial intelligence (AI) can help.
AI might sound like something only big tech companies or giant organizations use. But the truth is, AI tools are more accessible than ever, and they can be powerful allies for small nonprofits. You don't need a data scientist on staff or a massive budget to benefit. You just need to know where to begin.
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Ivy Walker
Serial Entrepreneur, Author & Risk Management Expert
Treasurer, S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls
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Jayne Morgan, M.D.
@drjaynemorgan
Cardiologist and V.P. of Medical Affairs, Hello Heart
Adj. Ass. Prof. of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine
Creator of the Stairwell Chronicles
Advisory Board Member,
S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls
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Healthy Her
Community and Longevity
I often give talks on heart health and women, and inevitably the topic of longevity arises. The questions I receive are often surrounding what to do to protect your heart as we get older. Although there are some key physical things, like maintaining blood pressure control, weight, cholesterol, and getting enough exercise, my other answers often surprise people.
It is hard to talk about heart health and longevity, especially for women, without discussing community. That’s right. Community. Turns out, significant relationships are key ingredients in longevity, and for women surprisingly (or not surprisingly) it means significant and nurturing relationships with other women within your community. Why is that?
| | Mindfulness Tip: Summer of LOVE |
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Laura Saltman
Mindfulness, Meditation and Metaphysical Teacher
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LaDonna Whittingham
Costume Designer
Local705 Film/TV Costumer and Wardrobe Stylist
| | The Edit: Designer Highlight | |
Ghanaian designer Kwame Adusei, based in Los Angeles, is making a name for himself and winning awards while he’s at it. Just recently, he took home a Sustainability Award, recognized for his bold commitment to fashion that doesn’t cost the Earth. 🌍✨
Kwame’s designs have graced some of your favorite celebrities, seamlessly blending rich African heritage with modern silhouettes. His collections are a celebration of culture, innovation, and conscious craftsmanship. Learn more and follow his story on Instagram @kwameaduseionline
| | Breaking Barriers: This Month's Must-Reads | |
Gabrielle White Becomes First Woman to Complete U.S. Army Best Ranger Competition | First Lt. Gabrielle White, a 25-year-old West Point graduate, became the first female ranger ever to compete in the arduous three-day, 30-event marathon. | | |
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Pitcher Ayami Sato Fires a Fastball Through Professional Baseball's Glass Ceiling | Thousands came out to watch history unfold as superstar pitcher Ayami Sato became the first woman to play professionally in a men's baseball league in Canada. | | |
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Dominique Malonga Makes History as the Youngest Player Ever Drafted to the WNBA | At just 19, Dominique Malonga became the youngest player ever drafted into the WNBA, selected second overall by the Seattle Storm in the 2025 Draft. | | |
| The S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls is a grant-making, 501(c)(3) dedicated to improving the quality of life for underserved and underrepresented girls and young women. We support initiatives empowering girls in the key areas of our mission: (S)TEM, (H)EALTH, (A)RTS, (U)NITY and (N)EIGHBORHOODS. | | | | |
